Watermark issue 17.07: Health and Medicine

ISSUE 17.07 | APRIL 1 - APRIL 14, 2010 WATERMARKONLINE.COM

YOUR LGBT LIFE.

FOCUS ON

HEALTH & MEDICINE: • Your Guide to Gay Health • Gay Men and HPV • Acne Meds for HIV treatment

CANCER SOCIETY CANCELS

LGBT Event in Pinellas

COWP GAINS

coveted non-profit status

TRAPPED

BY TINA

INSIDE THE DARK WORLD OF CRYSTAL METH ADDICTION

D AY T O N A B E A C H

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ORLANDO

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S T. P E T E R S B U R G

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S A R A S O TA

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

Fro m M e tro C h a r it i e s to

METRO Wellness and Community Centers

New Name—Still metRO This more clearly identifies who we are as we strive to provide a comprehensive continuum of services to underserved populations and others in the Tampa Bay area.

Go to metrotampaBay.org for more information

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

Start here

If we don’t know how many there are, how do we know how many we need?

Fill out and mail back your Census form today and help our community get its fair share of funding for the things it needs—like better schools, hospitals and roads. It’s ten questions and takes about ten minutes.

2010census.gov

Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

watermark | preview

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

issue 17.07

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JENNIFER COOLIDGE 25

PG.

Film star and self-proclaimed MILF Jennifer Coolidge is playing with the lesbians this weekend at the Dinah Shore Classic. The American Pie and Legally Blonde star shares here love with the LGBT community, her thoughts on gay cruises and her critique of Glee star Jane Lynch’s kissing talents.

Recreational drug use in the gay community continues to be a problem as technology makes finding crystal meth easier than ever.

Illustration by Jake Stevens

6 | Orlando News Come Out With Pride secures 501C3 status; Orange County Mayor receives HRO request; more.

8 | Tampa Bay News SCENE+HEARD

27

The Pinellas County chapter of the American Cancer Society says no to Oldsmar; more.

14 / TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE

13 | Nation/World News

18 / ORLANDO MARKETPLACE

school violated lesbian teen’s rights; more.

23 | Online Offline FILM REVIEWS

Watermark Web Editor Jamie Hyman is excited to save the world, and

25 | Scene and Heard LGBT ally and actress Jennifer Coolidge takes on the lesbians at Dinah Shore. William S. Burroughs is the subject of a new film at the

41

22 / MAIL 25/ SCENE+HEARD 28 / FILM REVIEWS

your suggestions to help do just that could win you a trip to Europe! .

KNOW+TELL

11 / STATE NEWS

to an LGBT-themed Relay for Life; Diversity Leadership training comes

Pentagon changes rules for discharging gays; Judge rules Miss.

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10 / SARASOTA NEWS

Sarasota Film Fest. Orlando Playfest brings a gay-centric play that mirrors Anderson Cooper’s life and Stephen Miller reviews the Florida Film Festival’s LGBT offerings.

41 | Health & Medicine Crystal Meth has invaded gay society, especially where gay men

34 / EVENT PLANNER 37 / TAMPA BAY OVERHEARD 38 / ORLANDO OVERHEARD 50 / TRANSITIONS 51 / ADVICE 52 / SPORTS

congregate. We take a look at the party drug’s affects on lives and follow the stories of three men’s journey to the abyss and through

54

53 / CLASSIFIEDS

recovery. HIV may have a new weapon in an acne medicine that has been around since the 1970s, we talk bluntly about HPV and anal

BILLY MASTERS

cancer and, for the first time, we offer a guide to gay and lesbian health.

54 / GOSSIP

watermark | preview

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

editor’sdesk C

Steve Blanchard EDITOR

SteveB@WatermarkOnline.com

awful, incurable disease. The doctors weren’t sure if I had West Nile virus all it irony or maybe just dumb luck, but our Health and Medicine or a form of meningitis. issue just happens to coincide with the passing of the historic Doctors sent me to a different hospital more readily equipped to handle Healthcare Reform Bill late last month. The sometimes crazy my condition, and I literally have a span of three days in my internal politicking and rallies for and against the bill have captured headlines for timeline that isn’t quite complete. Fortunately, my doctors were opennearly a year. Now we get to sit back and see if the reform works and how minded and let my partner visit me throughout the stay, even though we had it benefits all of us. no legal documentation showing we were together. At one point, my mother I, for one, am for the bill. Everyone deserves insurance considered visiting because I “wasn’t out of the woods” just yet. Eventually and medical care.

I beat the viral meningitis. I was able to go home after a five-day stay in the The scenario in which you have to file bankruptcy after battling an hospital and I continued IV therapy for two weeks. illness is a bad one. I should know—it happened to me in 2002.

Overall, I made a full recovery except for the At the risk of sounding like one of those old occasional migraine that still sneaks up on me. people who shares way too much information about A month after my ordeal, the medical bills arrived health issues, the healthcare debate reminded me of in my mailbox. I had health insurance through the only time I ever spent a week in the hospital.

Lab tests, two ER visits my employer, but it wasn’t enough to combat the I remember lying in bed with a headache one and a week-long stay mounting debt. Lab tests, two ER visits, an MRI, two Friday evening in September 2002. Late that night, CT scans and a week-long stay in the hospital and through my tears and frustration, my husband drove in the hospital put me continuing IV therapy put me $50,000 in debt. I made me to the local ER. I vaguely remember the visit, $50,000 in debt. just over $20,000 a year at that time and I was already but Demerol was involved and shortly before dawn, just scraping by. we drove home with a diagnosis of a migraine.

Threatening phone calls from creditors started and My head finally didn’t hurt and I was in a state of my car insurance company dropped me because my payment was late. I blissful loopiness. guess that didn’t matter, considering my vehicle was repossessed—while I Unfortunately, that didn’t last. was at work!

By the time lunch time rolled around the next day, I was back in my I found an attorney and filed bankruptcy. Nearly $70,000 in debt was bed, holding my head and trying to will the pain away. My lesbian friend cleared from my name, but my once-spotless credit was in the gutter. I knew convinced me to go back to the hospital. All I really remember is the I could forget owning a house or a new car any time in the near future. unbearable pain in my head as our car crossed some railroad tracks.

We survived, and now that more than seven years have passed, that I don’t know how long I was in the ER, but I experienced my first and bankruptcy seems like a distant memory. But I can’t help but think that if it only spinal tap. Even though I was out of it, I remember the pain vividly. wasn’t for that one illness, I would have made it further financially than I My friend had to leave the room because she said the pain on my face was am now. too much for her to handle.

An illness should not put you in the poor house. Hopefully, the I blacked out shortly after that. The next morning I awoke in a hospital newly passed healthcare legislation will prevent that from happening to bed to see my husband and several friends in my room wearing masks anyone else. | l | over their noses and mouths. I immediately panicked, thinking I had some

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YOUR LGBT LIFE. ISSUE 17.06 | MARCH 18 - MARCH 31, 2010 WATERMARKONLINE.COM

FOCUS ON

SPIRITUALITY FINDING LGBT-FRIENDLY CONGREGATIONS

BEAR BUST

GAY CATHOLICS VS. TRADITION SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH CANINE THERAPY

ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE FOR 2010

SHEIK STAR DUNCAN SHEIK WANTS TO MOVE PEOPLE— GAY OR STRAIGHT

SEALED DEAL DIXIE'S TUPPERWARE PARTY RETURNS TO CLEARWATER

D AY T O N A B E A C H

ISSUE 17.04

ISSUE 17.05

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ORLANDO

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S T. P E T E R S B U R G

PASCO NEONAZI GOES BACK TO COURT

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ISSUE 17.06

S A R A S O TA

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jamie hyman Orlando | Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart is urging her fellow Commissioners to make the county’s Human Rights Ordinance consistent when protecting against discrimination, but she might be getting some pushback. In a memo dated March 19, Stewart requested a workshop discussing changes to the discrimination categories, stating: “It is important that we be consistent with everyone as well as show that Orange County will not discriminate against anyone who chooses to live, work and visit [here]. Housing, public accommodation and employment protection from discrimination is vital to our success.”

Steward said she frequently is approached by community members who have faced discriminatory practices based on sexuality, race or gender and are concerned that these protections are not already in place. She added the current HRO only covers Orange County employees, not the general public.

Stewart said she received no response to her request, so on March 29, she sent a follow-up memo.

“I’m roadblocked until I get an answer, and until I get an answer, I’m not sure how to interpret the unanswered memos,”

she said.

If she doesn’t hear from the mayor by their meeting on April 6, she’ll make a motion placing her request on the agenda.

If the mayor does not grant that request, Stewart said she has to make a motion, it has to be seconded, and then she needs four supporting votes before the workshop can move forward.

When asked why LGBTs should care about the ordinance’s current language, Stewart said, “In my opinion, until the ordinance is passed, LGBTs are being discriminated against.”

She believes changes to the ordinance are also crucial to the community at large.

“No big company will come here unless we rectify this,” Stewart said. “If we’re out there promoting jobs, we have to be open to making sure there is no discriminatory feeling out there toward anyone.”

She expressed her frustration with what she calls “baby steps.”

“I want the workshop to bring it all out on the table, all the things the LGBT community is concerned about, the African-American community, women, whoever,” she said.

A spokesperson for Mayor Richard Crotty’s office says they are in the process of preparing a response.

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The Human Rights Campaign’s tour in support of repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is returning to Orlando. The Voices of Honor tour will appear at the Plaza Theatre on Monday, April 5. On Tuesday, April 6, the tour moves to Streetcar Charlie’s in Tampa. Both events start at 7 p.m. and include a documentary screening and discussion.

The International Conference of Gay and Lesbian Criminal Justice Professionals is set for Orlando in 2012. Florida Law Enforcement Gays and Lesbians announced the event, set for May 29 – June 2. Keynote speakers will be announced when confirmed. The Disney Hilton is the host hotel – mention Florida LEGAL when booking. More information is available at Fla-Legal.com.

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watermark | orlando news

Come Out With Pride granted 501(c)(3) status jamie hyman Orlando | Orlando’s annual pride event is now officially a charitable organization.

Come Out With Pride’s freshly-minted 501(c)(3) status has been a long time coming, says Metropolitan Business Association president Dr. David BakerHargrove. The MBA is the organizing body behind COWP. “Ever since the first year, we’ve talked about [applying as a tax-exempt organization],” said Hargrove. This will be COWP’s sixth year.

He says the designation was accepted on their first application, and he received the letter confirming it March 23.

“From a funding standpoint, a lot of pride events throughout the country are 501c3 public charities and that really allows them to tap into a donor market that does not exist if you don’t have that status,” Baker-Hargrove said. “For Come Out With Pride, our biggest issue was that when anybody sponsors or donates to the event,

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from a corporate standpiont, they can’t write it off and can only expense it as sales and marketing.”

He says this becomes a big issue when they go after big corporate donors who want to show their diversity support for Orlando’s community, but may not have a large budget for the niche LGBT market.

“Now that we’re a 501(c)(3) public charity, [donations and sponsorships] can go to a whole different spot on the balance sheet, as charitable donations,” BakerHargrove said.

In addition to helping the MBA go after larger corporate sponsors, Baker-Hargrove said the designation will ultimately create a higher-caliber event.

“It’s not about making it bigger or better, it’s about enhancing the quality,” he said.

“I see the future development of funding streams so we can have paid staff.”

The event is currently entirely volunteerrun. He says the new designation will also allow them to apply for grant funding. | l |

Babes in Bonnets changes formats Orlando | For the second year in a row, Babes in Bonnets benefitted the Orlando Youth Alliance. In spite of a format change this year, Dr. David Baker-Hargrove, president of Come Out With Pride, performed alongside local performers.

Baker-Hargrove’s Mask and Hat combination featuring Ares, the Greek God of War, helped celebrate this year’s Pride theme: 10-10-10: A Pride of Olympian Proportions.

The “bonnet” received the highest bid at $500, which went to the Orlando Youth Alliance.

“Come Out With Pride and MBA were very pleased to participate and raise much

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

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COWP and MBA president David Baker-Hargrove wore the winning ensemble at the Babes in Bonnets benefit for the Orlando Youth Alliance. | Photo by Jake Stevens

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For pictures from the event, visit WatermarkOnline.com. | l |

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watermark | tampa bay news

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

ACS cancels LGBT Relay for Life

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St. Petersburg | The American Cancer Society’s Pinellas County branch canceled the first-ever LGBT-focused Relay For Life that was slated for March 21.

The event would have been the first of its kind in the country and organizer Bobby Poth was enthusiastic about its potential success. However, officials within the ACS were concerned about an LGBT-focused fundraiser within its organization.

“Shortly after we began to promote this event we encountered hesitation from a few people within the organization,” Poth said in an e-mail. “They were worried about how the general public would react to an LGBTtargeted event [and] allowed personal beliefs to play a role in that fear, etc.”

Poth said his committee met with a few of the hesitant officials and he thought it had convinced the organization that discriminatory beliefs contradicted with the mission and beliefs of the ACS. Originally, Poth said he had permission to continue planning the Relay. However, the ACS revisited the idea and decided to not support the event.

“As a committee, we anticipated having this event become extremely successful by the May 21 date,” Poth said. He added that he was working on the planning process the morning he learned it was canceled.

“It is my hope that either the ACS or another organization doing similar work in the community realizes the importance of brining cancer awareness to all communities at a grassroots level,” Poth said. “Cancer

doesn’t discriminate.”

Fortunately, not all is lost. The Hamburger Mary’s Relay Team, which had registered for the LGBT Relay, has decided to participate in the Seminole Heights Relay scheduled for April 9.

“Their team captain is taking on a great challenge,” Poth said. “The team deserves all the support it can get.”

The change in events has given the team less time to prepare, Poth explained, so he is encouraging anyone who was planning to take part in the May 21 Relay to join the Mary’s team on April 9.

Despite his support for the Seminole Heights Relay, Poth can’t help but feel disappointed in the ACS as a whole.

“I am disappointed but fortunately, the community representative and administration within the Hillsborough County office are excited to have Hamburger Mary’s join their Relay,” he said. “I’m upset about the lack of support we had for our event, but we can still accomplish the ultimate goal of saving lives through supporting the team.

“I cannot devalue the ACS’s amazing work. I just hope that the organization realizes areas of improvement and make the decision to eventually reach out to all communities with just as much support.

For more information about the Seminole Heights Relay or to contribute to the Hamburger Mary’s team, visit RelayForLife. org/SeminoleHeightsFl and click on the Hamburger Mary’s Team link. | l |

Out & Equal announces diversity leadership training steve blanchard

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Tampa| In an effort to continue fostering healthier and safer workplaces for LGBTs, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates have planned diversity leadership training throughout Tampa Bay on April 13 and 14.

The programs are geared toward Human Resource professionals, executives and managers.

“The Diversity Leadership course is led by gay employees and straight allies,” said Anthony Chuchman, media contact for the organization. “It’s designed to break down barriers and fosters communication between all employees.”

Training will be divided into three sessions—LGBT Diversity Leadership Class, Train the Trainer and Building Bridges.

Train the Trainer is an all day workshop which includes the LGBT Diversity Leadership course, concepts, terminology, and the business case regarding LGBT employees.

Building Bridges is conducted by certified

Out & Equal trainers and is designed to target senior executives, managers, human resources and diversity professionals, customer service representatives and the general employee population. Training instructors have worked with corporations, social services, faith communities, governmental and educational settings, and provide relevant examples based on the course attendees.

The Diversity Leadership Training courses have been submitted to the Society for Human Resources Management’s Human Resource Certification Institute and are pending approval for continuing education credits.

The Nielsen Company in Oldsmar will host the seminars and special room rates are available with the Hilton Garden Inn of Oldsmar.

A networking reception near the hotel on April 13 is also planned.

For more information on the seminar or on Out & Equal, visit OutAndEqualTampaBay.org. | l |

watermark | tampa bay news

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

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Flamingo to host Wellness Fair staff report St. Petersburg | The Flamingo Resort will host a Wellness Fair and Art Festival Saturday, April 17 from 2-7p.m. AIDS Service Association of Pinellas County, the Pinellas County Health Department and others will be on site to offer health and wellness assessments and screenings.

Also available will be HIV and STD testing and H1N1 and flu vaccinations.

Vendors will also be on hand throughout the day. Several massage therapists, health spas, pharmacies and male enhancement clinics have signed on to participate, according to resort director David Baker.

In the Flamingo courtyard, Studio Mares, the resident Art Studio and Hair Salon, will host an art festival to include artists John Kohlburn, Kyu Yamamoto and J. Michael McCracken. | l |

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briefs Hair is American Stage in the Park selection American Stage Theatre Company announced its selection for the annual outdoor show. The LGBT-friendly rock opera Hair will run April 21-May 16.

Tickets and show times are available at AmericanStage.org.

Dining Out for Life still seeking ambassadors The annual Dining Out for Life event is slated for April 29, and businesses can still support the fundraiser. AIDS Service Association of Pinellas has more than 50

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Voices of Honor making Tampa stop

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The Human Rights Campaign’s tour in support of repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is coming to Tampa. The Voices of Honor Tour will appear at Streetcar Charlie’s in Ybor City on Tuesday, April 6.

The event start at 7 p.m. and includes a documentary screening and discussion.

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watermark | sarasota news

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

Sarasota Pride looks for a new brand staff report

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Sarasota | After rebounding from the brink of extinction, Sarasota Pride is looking to redefine itself in the new decade. The annual LGBT Pride celebration, usually scheduled for May, will be held sometime in the fall of 2010.

In the meantime, the board is looking for a new image.

The organization has put out a public “call to artists” to design a new logo for the LGBT event.

“While our present logo has served us well for the past years, we are looking for a new logo that will stand out at community events, be recognized at a glance and speaks to the future of Sarasota Pride,” said Cindy Barns on SarasotaPride.org. “This call is open not only to artists but anyone in the community who would like to participate.”

According to the site, the winning contributor will receive a $500 gift card to be used at any merchant that accepts credit or debit cards. Anyone interested in entering works of art must do so by May

1. The winning logo will be unveiled at a special Sarasota Pride event on May 15.

All submissions must include a color print along with an electronic version that may be submitted through the organization’s web site.

“We would like an artist’s statement telling us a bit about who they are and what thoughts they had while creating their logo,” Barnes said.

The winning artists will sign a statement that acknowledges the submission is original artwork and is not a copy or reproduction of any other work. That paperwork also gives Sarasota Pride irrevocable permission, without restrictions, to use the work in reproduction for displays, catalogs, posters, advertisement and will become the Official logo for Sarasota Pride and total ownership of Sarasota Pride.

For more information please contact Barnes at sarasotapride@gmail.com or at 941-320-9268.

Details concerning Sarasota Pride 2010 will be released online at SarasotaPride. org in the upcoming months. | l |

watermark | state news

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

Florida Senate removes discriminatory language from film bill staff report Tallahassee | The Florida Senate has removed contentious language targeting productions with “nontraditional family values” from a film incentive bill.

On March 19, the Senate removed that requirement following complaints from the industry and gay rights groups concerned that the language would marginalize single-parent

families, gay families and other non-traditional families.

The original bill proposed an increase in current tax credits from 2-5% of production costs for shows considered “family friendly,” and came under fire for its discriminatory nature. It listed a number of factors that would disqualify productions, including depicting “nontraditional family values.” However, the definition of those values was up for debate. | l |

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Gay candidate faces homophobic battle staff report Gainesville | Anti-gay forces are stepping up their game as they try to keep openly gay candidate and city-commissioner Craig Lowe from getting elected as Gainesville’s mayor.

Lowe will face off against Don March in an April 13 runoff election.

As that date approaches, Lowe is facing increasingly anti-gay attack from his opponents as they step out from behind anonymous bigoted fliers and mailers.

Dove Outreach Church is under investigation after it posted a sign in front of the church that reads, “No Homo Mayor.” .

Pastor Wayne Sapp has been posting anti-gay videos online, attacking Lowe by calling him a “fag” and saying Gainesville shouldn’t be turned into “Homoville.”

Lowe had no comment on the negative campaigning surrounding him, but told the Gainesville Sun, “I feel great. I’m ready to move forward.”

The IRS is investigating the church because it is a federally-funded organization.

Alachua County tax appraisers are also investigating.

Visit WatermarkOnline.com to see images of the anti-gay campaign materials and the video created by Dove Outreach Church. | l |

Hope for a vote: Gay protection bill staff report Tallahassee | Equality Florida and the group’s legislative allies are pushing hard to bring a bill protecting gays in the workforce to a vote. The clock is ticking—Florida’s 2010 Legislative Session ends in early May. The Florida Competitive Workforce Act (SB 798) would provide non-discrimination protections to LGBTs. On March 26, the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee held a historic workshop on the legislation that marked the first time the state’s legislature has discussed putting LGBTs in the state’s civil

rights codes.

Right now, the law protects people based on color, race, religion, age, sex, national origin, handicap and marital status. SB 798 would include language adding sexual orientation and gender expression.

“The business community is leading the way because they understand that to be competitive, employees have to know that they’ll be rewarded for their competence, not punished due to prejudice,” said Nadine Smith EQFL Exec. Dir.. “Now have to get the legislators to understand that this is a common sense measure.” | l |

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Pentagon changes rules for discharging gays staff report Washington, D.C. | Defense Secretary Robert Gates has approved new rules that will make it harder to discharge gays from the military, calling the changes a matter of “common sense and common decency.�

On March 25, Gates announced new guidelines for how the Pentagon carries out the 1993 law banning gays from serving openly in the military—rules which essentially put higher-ranking officers in charge of discharge proceedings and impose tougher requirements for evidence used against gays.

The new guidelines go into effect immediately and will apply to cases already open. They are considered a stopgap measure until Congress decides whether to go along with President Barak Obama’s call for a repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell� law. “I believe these changes represent an important improvement in the way the

current law is put into practice, above all by providing a greater measure of common sense and common decency for handling what are complex and difficult issues for all involved,� Gates said.

The changes raise the level of officer authorized to initiate a fact-finding inquiry into a case, the level of officer who can conduct an inquiry and of the one that can authorize a dismissal.

To discourage the use of overheard statements or hearsay, from now on any evidence given in third-party outings must be given under oath, Gates said.

Some kinds of confidential information also will no longer be allowed, including statements gays make to their lawyers, clergy, psychotherapists or medical professionals in the pursuit of health care.

The individual service branches will have 30 days to change their regulations to conform to the new rules. | l |

Dutch fuming at retired US general’s gays comment staff report The Hague, Netherlands | The Dutch prime minister denounced as “irresponsible� a claim by a retired U.S. general that gay Dutch soldiers were partly to blame for allowing Europe’s worst massacre since World War II. At a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, retired Gen. John Sheehan claimed that Dutch military leaders had called the presence of gay soldiers in the army “part of the problem� that allowed Serb forces to overrun the Srebrenica enclave in Bosnia in July 1995 and kill some 8,000 Muslim men.

Dutch troops were serving in the undermanned U.N. peacekeeping force in Srebrenica when they were overrun by heavily armed Serb forces, who went on to turn the surrounding countryside into killing fields littered with mass graves.

Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende called Sheehan’s comments irresponsible and said at his weekly news conference that “these remarks should never have been made.�

The Netherlands has a long history of accepting homosexuality, and gays have long been welcome in the country’s armed forces. | l |

briefs MS lesbian teen’s rights violated

Chief: S.D. Police followed rules in Air Force sgt’s outing

A federal judge ruled that a Mississippi school district violated a lesbian student’s rights by banning her from bringing her girlfriend to the prom. U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson refused to force the Itawamba County school district to put on the April 2 prom, but he said canceling it did violate 18-year-old Constance McMillen’s rights and that he would hold a trial on the issue. Davidson noted that McMillen has been openly gay since she was in the eighth grade, and her intention to communicate a message by wearing a tuxedo and escorting a same-sex date “falls squarely within the purview of the First Amendment.�

Rapid City’s police chief Steve Allender said his officers followed department protocol when their outing of a lesbian Air Force sergeant led to her military discharge. Police said Sgt. Jene Newsome, a nine-year Air Force veteran, was not cooperative when officers showed up at her home in November with an arrest warrant for her wife. Officers spotted an Iowa marriage certificate on the kitchen table through a window and alerted the officials at the nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base, resulting in Newsome's discharge.

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The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon any information included on this page, nor upon any advertisement that you might view.

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watermark | viewpoint

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yes, I am HIV positive. yes, I get tested regularly.

I think so, but I haven’t been tested in awhile.

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6% 5% AT WATeRMARkONLINe.COM, We ASked yOu:

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A new poll will be posted to the homepage this week. Be sure to visit WatermarkOnline.com and let us know what YOU think!

top web comments On The healing waters of Hip Dog: “Tears in my eyes. What a story. What a business. Makes me feel so good to know the doggies can get some relief from their chronic pain. Tell the world!”

—auntie719 On Citizen Crain: A capital case for gay marriage: “Citizen Crain has given us a strong case why we should acknowledge the major little victories that converged last week with the wedding ceremonies in Washington, dC. Thanks for helping to remind us of our task our time, our treasure, our heart is needed now. There will plenty of time to celebrate the great justice victory to come.”

—rlphsil On the Overheard item about Urban Think’s closing: “It reinforces the need for us to support independent businesses—particularly in these tough economic times. We’re in danger of losing our humanity in the cogs and wheels of corporations.”

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mail Sad closing, new opportunities I just read the piece in Watermark (Issue 17.06) about our bookstore’s closing—a shame, yes—but for many reasons, we have to close. I’ve been proud to be the manager for almost nine years with no regrets.

Thanks to Watermark and all the people who’ve promoted me and our store over the years. I’m going to finish my collection of short stories, continue on my blog, submit writing for magazines etc., and will also put myself out there, but only from 9-5 on weekdays, no weekends, nights —DAnny or drama.

Thanks again to all.

Jim Crescitelli Orlando

empathy for people who do not look or talk like them.

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Healthcare benefits worth costs

When America began providing guaranteed income and medical care for the elderly, we faced the same dilemma as with healthcare today: cost. At the time, Republicans dutifully warned of the cost, claiming entitlement programs for the elderly would grow out of control. They were right. Costs for Medicare and Social Security spiraled.

Doyle But the real story is that America did the right thing. We took proper care of the men and women who made sure the world wasn’t ruled by Nazis.

In March, America decided that we won’t let citizens hit by catastrophic illness wither away out of sight. So can we afford to offer such a benefit to our Prominent Republican spokesmen citizens? Perhaps not. But we can hope Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh rose up to that having a healthier working force will dismiss Tiffany Owen’s death as a lead to increased worker productivity, “sob story.” which in turn, will decrease budget What we all know without being deficits. told is that the orphaned boy standing With apologizes to Guns ‘n Roses, with Obama is black, and so was his this is not “The Jungle,” it’s America, and mother. We also know that no prominent I’d prefer to remain proud of it, even if it Republican would have risked expressing means less money in my pocket. such open hostility towards a Southern Danny Doyle white family in similar straights. Limbaugh Via e-mail and Beck are to be applauded for their candor, for their unabashed lack of

“America decided that we won’t let citizens hit by catastrophic illness wither away out of sight.”

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I follow. I hadn’t gotten a chance to see it in person until recently, when Scottie Campbell approached me with an idea about an altruistic blog for Watermark.

We named it Scottie Saves the World and now I can honestly say that I’ve had the privilege of seeing someone walk the walk when it comes to doing good on the web.

Scottie has written about all sorts of charitable endeavors. A recent example is his “Feed the Chickens” campaign, where he has set up chicken jars in all three Dechoes Resale locations: College Park, Dover Plaza and Coytown Plaza on Colonial. The chickens are hungry for cash and all donations benefit Heifer Surf the web, an organization that save the world International, provides renewable, sustainable resources to end hunger. Scottie has also grown a mustache to raise funds for men’s health, Jamie Hyman written Congress about climate change online editor and built bikes for Variety, the Children’s Jamie@WatermarkOnline.com Charity of Florida.

Now he’s brought an amazing incentive to the table in the hopes that it will get others thinking about how to save the world, too.

Scottie and Watermark are giving away a week-long trip to London worth more than $3,200. The excursion is organized

by Art Events Travel, which has organized the itinerary so that sales can benefit the Orlando Youth Alliance. Everything is included except lunches, dinners and personal spending. So one lucky winner will ride the London Eye, tour the Tower of London and do tons more activities, courtesy of Art Events Travel. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the side trip to the Birmingham Pride Festival, the UK’s efore I start talking about the largest Pride Fest. altruistic side of the World Wide All you have to do is log onto Web, I make one single promise WatermarkOnline.com, find the article to you: I will not talk about The Hunger about the giveaway (it’s front and center), Site. The Hunger Site has been around and comment with your idea on how to since 1999. Everyone knows about The Hunger Site. (If you don’t know about The save the world. A panel of judges will choose the winner.

Hunger Site, you’re going to have to ask As of press time, we only had one someone else because I already promised I comment, because wouldn’t talk about history has taught it.) Not to mention, me that Watermark it’s not even a readers love to charity. The Hunger We are giving away wait until the last Site is a for-profit a week-long trip to second to enter to corporation that win fabulous prizes, makes charitable London worth more ahem. But even donations but also than $3,200. that first comment happens to make a surprised me—It’s lot of money selling not a specific, literal space to advertisers. idea to save the world. It’s more of a I’m not so much interested in the ways mediation about the writer’s philosophy, you can donate to charities or “support” causes (whatever that means) online. What about how caring about the people near us and being present can make a huge fascinates me is the way the web opens difference. I can’t say it’s going to be a and broadens lines of communication, winner, but it has me excited for all the allowing people invested in the same different directions these world-saving cause to easily connect in a way that ideas can go. would never have been possible, preThe deadline to enter is approaching Internet. fast—April 5, 2010. If you have any I’ve read about these theories in the inclination to walk the cobblestone streets abstract, through various marketing blogs of one of the most amazing, historical

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

cities in the world, please, head over to Scottie Saves the World at Watermark Online and enter.

Worst case scenario? You don’t win, but someone searching for a little meaning reads your idea and decides to take his or her own steps to save the world.

Scottie’s doing it. You can, too.

Shameless Hype Alert!

Watermark is also walking the walk, with an AIDS Walk team. I’m walking, Fire Down Below blogger Erik Caban is walking, publisher Tom Dyer is walking and that’s just a sampling from our team. There’s no need to tell you it’s a great cause—the AIDS Walk benefits

23

Hope & Help, an organization that fills a crucial niche in our community, assisting our neighbors who are living with HIV/AIDS. We’d love to have you walk with us but if you can’t swing the $100 fundraising requirement, maybe you can help us make our goals. Head over to AIDSWalkOrlando.org/Donations to donate to the Scottie Saves the World/ Watermark team, or to an individual member of our team. Don’t delay—the walk event is April 24 and after that, it’ll be too late to make a difference. | l |

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April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

A

ctress/comedienne Jennifer Coolidge is playing for both teams this April. She’s booked to appear in Palm Springs at the allgirl Dinah Shore Weekend’s 20th Anniversary (March 31-April 4), during Saturday night’s HRC Fundraiser, and the gay boys’ famed White Party Weekend (April 9-12).

With plenty of queer and queer-adjacent credits— including Nip/Tuck, Legally Blonde, and Best in Show, in which she got it on with Jane Lynch—and fresh off an RSVP cruise, Coolidge chatted by phone about her upcoming appearances, MILFs vs. cougars, and the danger of gay cruises.

WATERMARK: How did the Dinah Shore gig come about?

JENNIFER COOLIDGE: My agent said to me, “Jennifer, this woman wants to book you for the Dinah Shore event—she met you at Basix this morning,” which is a restaurant in West Hollywood.

Well, I wasn’t in that restaurant so someone else had a great conversation with this woman and she thinks she’s booking whoever that was! I so wonder what other comedian could she have run into and thought was me. I stole a job from someone really legitimate.

er shore f What are you putting together for the appearance? Any special material?

Well, I’m hoping to put together this live sex show I’ve been working on a long time.

I’ve found a couple of people interested in doing it with me. I

Continued on page 32 | uu |

ACTRESS JENNIFER COOLIDGE PLAYS WITH THE LESBIANS

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watermark | theater

truth or entertainment?

A thought-provoking new plAy brings importAnt lgbt themes to orlAndo’s plAyfest

john sullivan

A

think it’s also clear in the play that I really riff reading of playwright Jordan Seavey’s on them and go away from reality,” Seavey new work The Truth Will Out will explains. be presented at this year’s Playfest!

Seavey also admits to finding inspiration The Harriet Lake Festival of New Plays, in after watching a segment from Cooper’s show Orlando. The 10-day annual theatre event about the King murder where he thought that offers readings, workshops, panel discussions the host and his guest, a child psychologist, and productions of new plays at the Lowndes were skirting around some of the bigger issues Shakespeare Center. like homophobia by making it a very general The play, a 2009 semi-finalist for both bullying issue. the Bay Area Playwrights Festival and the “There is a difference between bullying and National Playwrights conference, is the only bringing a gun to school and shooting someone play at this year’s festival that comes with in the head twice—I think pretending that they a content warning for graphic language and are one and the same or not addressing the explicit sexual situations. Festival organizers specifics of exactly what was going on seemed will not allow anyone under 18 to attend the really dangerous to me,” Seavey says. reading without parental consent.

An openly gay man himself, Seavey was The Truth Will Out brings us into the world both fascinated and appalled by the details of of Whitamore Walter, a popular and closeted the Lawrence King story because it happened national news anchor who finds himself around Valentine’s Day and the kids involved confronted by the young killer of Ronald were both so young. It is a story that Seavey Principe, an African American gay teenage thinks needs to be told now while the incident boy. The alleged killer locks himself in an is still somewhat fresh in a lot of minds. office at the juvenile detention center and calls “I feel like it’s a play that’s about right now in to Whitamore’s nightly show, threatening to and I don’t really know that it will make a lot kill himself if the famous newsman does not of sense to do this play in three or four or five reveal that he is indeed a homosexual. years much less 10,” Seavey explains. “There’s Walter’s life is turned upside down as he every reason to talk struggles to make the about it now.” right decision that While his play will keep everyone makes a case for in his life happy There is a difference everyone who needs including his boss, between bullying and to come out to come an old flame and the bringing a gun to school out, at the same time hunky coworker who Seavey understands has more than just and shooting someone that it is a very Whitamore’s attention. in the head twice personal decision and Also thrown into the one that should not be mix are Edward R. forced on somebody.

Murrow, Katherine “I tried to portray the Great, Tina Whitamore as someone who is torn about his Turner, Ellen DeGeneres, and Walter’s own career and holds a lot of real fear,” Seavey disapproving high society mother. says. “I do think, especially for a celebrity, the While there is no denying the similarities between Whitamore and Ronald and Anderson decision to come out has to be theirs and it is a private and personal matter. They should all Cooper and Lawrence King, Seavey carefully come out, which I think is what the play says, points out that his story is merely inspired by but I think that whether or not they do or how theories regarding Cooper’s sexuality and not they do it or when they do it is legitimately specifically about CNN’s golden boy, who private and personal.” many in the gay community consider to be The play’s journey from submission to ‘half out.’ acceptance into Playfest has been guided by “I sort of was inspired by the speculation the festival’s Associate Director of Playfest about a real life person and I did borrow and New Play Development, David Lee, who certain very specific details about his life, but I

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

27

is also taking on the role of Whitamore in the readings. The Truth Will Out was one of more than 300 plays that were submitted for consideration to the festival, but Lee saw the importance of Seavey’s work right from the start.

“I think this is the strongest lineup of 10 projects we have ever had.” Lee says. “And The Truth Will Out is by far the most exciting piece I have read in the four years I have worked for Playfest.”

Seavey is excited about The Truth Will Out’s acceptance into Playfest and plans on coming down from New York to attend one of the readings. He is also looking forward to the discussions that can come as a result of provocative theatre.

“Theatre has to entertain but it also has to provoke and make you feel things and make you think about things,” Seavey explains. “I definitely am in the camp of as long as we are talking and feeling then arguing is good and disagreeing is ok as long as we are creating a dialogue and a discussion.” | l |

see+hear what: The Truth Will Out, directed by John DiDonna when: Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 5 p.m. and Thursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. where: Playfest 2010 inside The Mandell Theatre tickets: OrlandoShakes.org.

Openly gay playwright Jordan Seavey’s newest play looks at the media’s take on LGBTs in the news.

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watermark | film

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

screened out THE FILM FESTIVAL’S FEY WAY

stephen miller

Stephen@WatermarkOnline.com

T

he Florida Film Festival takes over Orlando from April 9-18. These three LGBT-friendly documentaries are being shown as well as over 100 other flicks. More reviews are at WatermarkOnline. com. Information on the festival is at FloridaFilmFestival.com.

The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls

(Documentary directed by Leanne Pooley)

★★★★★ Jools and Lynda Topp are political lesbian twins from New Zealand. They’re also yodeling, folk-singing comedians who had a television show. To their fans, they are icons totally worthy of gushing worship.

It’s a miracle they even got started.

The Topps were born into the backwards farming culture. Their loving parents almost

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$

accidentally gave the sisters the tools to survive: pride, loyalty and humor. Jools and Lynda adored their agricultural childhood, but after they joined the Army, they decided to see the world. Somehow, they stumbled across their gifts for songwriting and performance, infused with skits of multiple characters based on loving mockery.

Leanne Pooley’s film is kind and sweet; it tells the twins’ biography in a thorough but lackadaisical manner. It’s folksy like the Twins’ music; it’s colorful like the sisters’ characters. Old photos, skits, stand-up and concerts round out this thoroughly enjoyable picture.

The things this documentary explores are quietly fascinating. What is it about the Topps’ comedy that allows them to also be deeply political to steelworkers and LGBT alike? How have they used their act to help end nuclear proliferation and expand LGBT

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Wilma Swartz and her dummy share a moment with Terry Fator and his in Dumbstruck.

rights? Is it because their sense of harmony and timing are so perfect that people listen?

The biggest question: Why aren’t they even more famous?

Dumbstruck

(Documentary directed by Mark Goffman)

★★★★★ There’s such a small distance between passion and pathology. Dumbstruck explores that gap using ventriloquists.

We meet the one-time beauty queen who was jilted at the altar. We get to know the famous cruise performer who hates being away from his family. A 13-year-old white boy from the Midwest also loves the art; his dummy is an “urban” black. There’s the famous Terry Fator, the 42-year-old who after years of struggle, won America’s Got Talent. Finally, we have Wilma, the sixfoot-five transgender woman whose act is more “homespun” and less “polished,” often performing to just a handful of people.

Can you already sense that the talent here varies wildly? Dumbstruck contains portions of sheer discomfort, buckled by very brief moments of gifted performance. How you feel about the experience will vary. Are you creeped out by people who seem to live through inanimate objects, calling their dolls “children”? Don’t go. Are you fascinated to see how an unusual obsession can once in a great while lead to actual brilliance? Then, don’t miss it.

Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and The Magnetic Fields

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The lesbian Topp Twins sing comic folksongs that tease their native New Zealanders.

It’s OK if you’ve never heard of The Magnetic Fields. They’re a band built for obscurity, to be loved by only a few.

First of all, the leader is mercurial gay man, Stephin Merritt. His melancholy bass vocals are a cross between David Bowie and Leonard Cohen after a handful of barbiturates. His lyrics are an unusual mix of cleverness, silliness and melodrama. To

Discover the intellectual songwriting of Stephin Merritt in Strange Powers.

the press, this front man likes to say witty, depressing things in the manner of Droopy Dog. In person, this perfectionist has some of the most frustrating interpersonal skills you’ll ever witness.

The Magnetic Fields plays an eclectic combo of experimental pop, alt-country, and low-fi orchestral works. They use things like kitchen whisks, found objects and toys to augment their guitar, piano, drums, and cello.

Since the late 1980s, The Magnetic Fields has alternated between prolific inundation and long stretches of silence, almost fading into obscurity between releasing gleefully morose albums.

As a documentary, Strange Powers is both fun and frustrating—often simultaneously.

This folksy film is like the band’s catchy music: joyfully reveling in bleakness, following no particular course, ending up wherever it may. | l |

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watermark | books

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

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LEYSER: Well, I don’t think there was arasota | Like many literary one novel. The first book I read of his masters, critically-acclaimed was Naked Lunch. I thought it opened up Naked Lunch author William S. new avenues of thinking. It was funny, Burroughs was an enigmatic soul riddled outrageous, and I found it shocking that with contradictions. Born into an affluent it had been written in the late 1950s when family of Missouri inventors, he was everything else I had read in that timeHarvard-bred but held blue-collar jobs. period was such crap. It still holds itself He married two women—one Burroughs up as such a great critique of society, and killed by accidental gunshot—but severed it’s a great satire in regard to the bullshit his pinky over love for a man. He was troubled by a history of drug addiction and government system we’re living in now and stuck and controlled by. loss, but had a crystal eye for the future.

Still, what do we truly know of Burroughs used a nonlinear/cut-up Burroughs—the multi-faceted author who technique to separate himself from foretold readers about the rise of AIDS, widespread crack use, and plastic surgery? other writers in Naked Lunch. What directing and stylistic techniques Just who is the man who spoke of being separate you from other documentary “queer” before it became a universal filmmakers? language? Unraveling the mystery, 25No person is a carbon-copy of the year-old director Yony Leyser tackled next. So hopefully, if you decide to make the task by reviewing Burroughs’ social it in life as an artist, you’ll have some history in the documentary William S. form of creativity.

Burrough: A Man The techniques Within.

I incorporated The film is part “He was gay when were experimental of the Sarasota Film animation Festival and will it illegal.

He had a techniques I’d play Thursday, April boyfriend when it learned while I 15 at 4:15 p.m. and was a student at Saturday, April 17 at was illegal.”

CalArts, including noon at The Regal —DIRECTOR YONY LEYSER wired-sculpture Cinemas Hollywood SPEAKING ABOUT stop-motion and 20.

WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS drawn-animation.

Within grants Also, I included viewers a behinda combination the-scenes look of unseen footage in the film that his at beat-writer Burroughs’ literary rise friends had given me, along with closeand drug-plagued fall through a series knit, intimate interviews with his closest of exclusive interviews and celebrity friends. I looked for accuracy while conversations—including talks with John maintaining the grittiness that was found Waters, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, and Gus in Burroughs writing.

Vant—signifying his enduring impact on artists worldwide.

Outside of the film industry, what Leyser answered a few questions for personal work experience has helped Watermark regarding the experience. you become an effective director?

I don’t think any of my jobs assisted WATERMARK: Which Burroughs’ in forming my work on this film, except novel most inspired you to chronicle his financially. I worked as a copy boy at life work?

watermark | books

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

was illegal and no one else was doing it.

He was a deconstructor of language and sexual identity, and I think he paved the way for what a lot of people have come to take for granted.

Queer 1950s author William S. Burroughs is the focus of A Man Within, a film screening at the Sarasota Film Festival this month.

Newsweek as a personal assistant to a wine executive, a bike messenger, and with various newspapers reporting on music—nothing too interesting. I didn’t want to be bike messenger or a copy boy. These are jobs I took to financially support the film. I made by first documentary at the age of 16 about an obese carpet cleaner and his love affair with a crack prostitute. I’ve made

documentaries and short films my whole life.

Through his life, how did Burroughs help develop queer culture?

Burroughs was a pioneer of queer culture. Back then, people didn’t know gay people or “out� people. He was gay when it illegal. He had a boyfriend when it was illegal. He wrote about it when it

GETTING THERE IS

HALF THE FUN $

Burroughs short novel, Queer, took 30 years to find a publisher due to its centralized LGBT themes. From your experience, what kind of obstacles does a director face in modern times when attempting to produce a queer-focused film?

Well, I don’t think it’s a queer film.

It has elements of homosexuality and Burroughs was a homosexual, but I believe in deconstructing labels. Other than being labeled a documentary, I don’t know how many more labels could be attached to it. The LGBT audience is extremely important. I’m a big advocate of the community, but much more in my photography work, which focuses on transgender, queer, outsider punk.

The film is a portrait of an intricate and dynamic man with so many different facets to him, and I think it’s a very important film for the LGBT community to see.

Within is laced with many celebrity conversations regarding Burroughs’ work. What seems to be the central characteristic about Burroughs’ writing that has so many celebrities enthralled?

31

Again, in the 1950s and 1960s, Burroughs was a pioneer of rebellion, of anti-authoritarian, of deconstructing modes of creating art. That’s why they sought him out. Who else were they going to reach to? I didn’t include celebrities because of who they were. These are people who were friends with Burroughs.

He was a huge influence on John Waters and Patti Smith.

Ultimately, what surprised you the most about “the man within� Burroughs that you had not known before undertaking this project?

There’s just too much to say. That’s truly an impossible question. It’s too simplistic. There’s nothing that’s fact about Burroughs. There’s interviews and research. There’s nothing written in stone, and we don’t truly know who Burroughs was. I think people should watch the film, and I’d like them to be surprised at what comes out. | l |

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watermark | television

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

| uu | Jennifer Coolidge from p.25

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Your character got it on with Jane Lynch in Best in Show. Have you had a lot of experience with the lesbians?

I think Jane is a great lesbian lover; she’s a good kisser. I was in Provincetown twice last summer—I love the lesbian crowd. They’re incredibly loyal and, just like the gay men, they’re a really smart audience. Sometimes you show up to do standup in certain areas and have to take out some of the stuff you really like—not that my stuff is so highly intelligent.

How will your appearance at the White Party differ?

I don’t know. I think Dinah will probably be a much more sober event. But those girls are there to have fun. It won’t be uninteresting, that’s for sure. People go to Palm Springs and let loose so I hope it’s like a gay cruise.

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Well, it’ll be gay and there will be cruising.

(Laughs) They’re going to raise a lot of money and it’s a really good cause and there will be great speakers. They really have their shit together, I have to say. When you go and do all these different events you realize the heteros just don’t have it.

You just performed on an RSVP gay cruise. How was that experience?

I just got off the boat a day ago. I would do one again in a heartbeat. The only thing that’s scary is how easy it is to just disappear in the night and that would be the end. One night I took an Ambien and thought, 'I hope I don’t sleepwalk and walk out onto my veranda and go overboard.'

Actress Jennifer Coolidge has plenty of queer and queer-adjacent credits to her name, now she’s adding Dinah Shore weekend to her resume.

Now that’s a job I don’t know how I got.

Maybe they met Jane Lynch in a coffee shop and thought she was Jennifer Coolidge.

What can you tell me about your role in Ash Christian’s (Fat Girls) next film, Mangus!?

I’m this white trailer trash mother who has this amazing son who wants to be the star of a Jesus Christ Superstar spectacular show at the school, and then he has some really bad luck and it’s all about his little journey.

It’s a really charming script and we shot it in a week in Waxahachie, Tex. This blizzard showed up and they hadn’t had snow in 100 years. But I really liked Ash; he’s really smart. The poor guy got really sick while we were filming. He had a terrible case of the flu.

Thanks to playing “I think Jane [Lynch] is Stifler’s mom in How was shooting American Pie, a great lesbian lover, Bad Lieutenant: you’re known as she’s a good kisser.”

Port of Call—New one of the first and Orleans with crazy best MILFs. How —JennIfer CooLIdge Nic Cage? do you feel about the This is the thing cougar revolution of about movie making I late? think is hilarious. The big heroes, the people I was really lucky because American you think will be incredible, usually are the Pie established that word and I hear it’s opposite. And the people you think will be in a dictionary now. MILF seemed like a weird or odd or stuck up, it’s the opposite. Nic cool thing because it sounded like a kid’s ended up being incredibly cool. We both had idea of fantasizing about an older woman houses in New Orleans; he had been down and seducing her. To me, “cougar” is the carnivorous older woman desperately looking there for years. He was kind of mind-blowing, actually. I was incredibly impressed by his for a young guy. I’ve never liked that word. talent. Just how good he is over and over in She’s prowling. each take. And a really generous, nice guy.

I thought he’d be crazy or something but I Would you be in Cougar Town if offered a really liked him. spot?

I’ve been so associated with 'cougar' that I Have you seen the Legally Blonde musical? think it would be overkill to.

No. I got a phone call to go do it in London but they wanted me to audition. I was You’ve been a go-to for the gays in recent horrified. Audition? I already established it years. You lent your voice to LOGO’s Rick in a movie! Why do I have to audition for a & Steve.

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

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watermark | event planner

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

Dixie Longate

Lisa Lampanelli Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean, Lisa Lampanelli, takes the stage at Hard Rock Live on Friday, April 9.

Tupperware superstar Dixie Longate brings her take on the iconic party celebrating the “plastic crap” to Ruth Eckerd Hall through April 3.

Gary Mullen Gary Mullen brings One Night of Queen to the Van Wezel in Sarasota on April 1.

art [SARASOTA] Fashion Week at Parkland

Parkland Boutique and Gallery at 506 S. Pineapple Ave. launches its Fashion Week on Friday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. Models will showcase new designs by Russet and Jerah Coviello and wine, cheese and sweets will be provided. DJ Normen Schindowski will be on hand to spin highenergy tunes. For more information call 941-366-1649.

The Florida Seven

The Dabbert Gallery at 76 S. Palm Ave. will showcase seven Florida painters beginning on Friday, April 2 at 6 p.m. Works

by Robert Baxter, Sarah Costello, Beatrice del Perugia, James Griffin, William Jerdon, Barbara Krupp and Craig Rubadoux will be featured at the gallery through May 3. For more information call 941-955-1315 or visit DabbertGallery.com.

[WINTER PARK] Javier Gomez

Panamanian photographer Javier Gomez makes his way to Winter Park on Friday, April 9, to celebrate the opening of his new display at Gallery at Interlochen.

Gomez has traveled to more than 30 countries and worked with several top photographers and the end result is his art, aims for spirituality and sensitivity. Hors d’ouvres and libations will be provided. The event runs from 7-10 p.m.

music [SARASOTA] One Night of Queen

He’s not gay, but he plays a gay man on stage each night. Gary Mullen and The Works return to Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, April 1, at 8 p.m. for a recreation and celebration of

the iconic group Queen. Mullen plays queer front man Freddie Mercury, complete with mustache and outrageous costumes. For more information visit VanWezel.org.

[ST. PETERSBURG] Too Legit To Quit

Performers and classically trained singers Iskra and Sargent deliver an array of songs ranging from Broadway show tunes to the modern favorites of Kelly Clarkson in Too Legit To Quit, April 9-11, at American Stage.

The show is part of the theater company’s “After Dark” series and is sure to provide enough music for any discerning tastes. For more information visit AmericanStage.org or call 727-823-7529.

comedy [ORLANDO] Lisa Lampanelli

Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean is taking the stage at Hard Rock Live on Friday, April 9. Lisa Lampanelli is an insult comic known for a raunchy, taboo style and frequent discussions of race and homosexuality. Tickets range from $42-$45 at HardRockLive.com. The show starts at 8 p.m.

[ORLANDO] 55 West

There’s just one last chance to catch local, original comedy 55 West at the Parliament House. The show takes the stage for the final time on April 3. 55 West stars Michael Wanzie, Miss Sammy and Frank McClain.

Kenny Howard directs. Tickets are $12 at Wanzie.com/BoxOffice and show time is 8 p.m.

[TAMPA] The Lark

The story of Joan of Arc is presented by the Gorilla Theatre in The Lark, which runs through Easter Sunday, April 4. The classic Jean Anouih play follows the saint’s life during her trial. For more information, visit GorillaTheatre.com or call 813-879-2914.

special events [SARASOTA] Out to Dance

theater

The first fundraiser of the year for Sarasota Pride is an All-Women’s Party on Saturday, April 3, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are available for $10 at the door of the Bobby Jones Country Club. A 50/50 drawing will be held throughout the night to raise funds for this fall’s Sarasota Pride. For more information, visit SarasotaPride.org or call 941-320-9268.

[CLEARWATER] Dixie’s Tupperware Party

[ORLANDO] Pillowlando

The hilarious Tupperware sales lady Dixie Longate returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall through April 3, selling her “plastic crap” and sharing her outrageous uses for the familiar product. On Thursday, April 1, Watermark hosts a pre- and post-party with the performer, complete with finger food and a cash bar. If you can’t make the party, at least see the show. You’re guaranteed to laugh and utter, “No she didn’t” throughout the night. For more information visit RuthEckerdHall.com or call 941- 712-2774.

Make the (faux) feathers fly at Pillowlando MMX, Orlando’s official 2010 International Pillow Fight Day event. The pillows will swing from 5–5:30 p.m. at Wall Street Plaza on April 3. The event is free and open to all ages—organizers just ask that you use a soft, feather-free pillow, don’t swing at people using cameras and remember to take off your glasses.

Florida Collegiate Pride Coalition Conference

“Making a Difference” is the theme of this year’s Florida Collegiate Pride Coalition Conference, an annual event for collegeage LGBT groups and students. This year, participants across the country will travel to Orlando to attend because the conference is at the University of Central Florida on April 9–11. The weekend includes documentary screenings and a keynote address by Malcolm Lazin, executive director of Equality Forum. For more information, email Matthew@glbsuatucf.org.

67 Books

In celebration of National Library Week, 67 people will each read one book, for an hour, from the roof of the Orlando Public Library. The project is called 67 books and is a production of Brian Feldman Projects.

Feldman recently received media attention for marrying a stranger in protest of laws keeping LGBTs from getting married. The 67 readers were chosen randomly, and the only rule is that the selected book must be from the library collection. Watermark online editor Jamie Hyman and Watermark film critic Stephen Miller are among the selected readers. The project lasts from April 11–17 during normal library operating hours.

[WINTER PARK] Flag Football Jamboree

The Orlando Women’s Flag Football League is holding a free, open Flag Football Jamboree at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, at Blue Jacket Park. This is the first of a regular event, with a new open scrimmage each month until the fall season begins. Athletes of all levels are invited to participate. Email OrlandoFlag@Gmail.com for more information.

Got an event you’d like to see listed in Watermark? At least two to four weeks in advance, send all pertinent info—date, time, place, cost, contact information for readers to get more details, and what the event is about—to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com, and we will feature it in the paper on a space-available basis.

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

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watermark | tampa bay out+about

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

1- Tampa-based performer Stephanie Shippae entertains a patron at Streetcar Charlie’s in Ybor City.

shot on site

Photography | Mark Bias, Mariruth Kennedy, Jim Nixon, Suzanne Noe and Carrie West

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2- The “horses” line up at the starting line during St. Paul’s Lutheran Church’s Casino Night on March 20.

3- Singer Dawn Willey performs at the Cornerstone Café in Pinellas Park March 19.

4- (L-R) Lorraine Langlois of Metro Wellness and Community Centers presents Joy Winheim of Francis House with a donation check for $5,000 to assist in providing HIV/AIDS services.

5- (L-R) Bobby Poth and Vincent Anello stand with a friend during the Tampa Bay Social Club’s gathering at the Buddha Lounge in Ybor City March 27.

6- (L-R) Tampa television personality Jack Harrison stands with GaYbor Coalition president Carrie West during the Gasparilla Film Festival in Tampa.

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overheard Spurs has last hurrah as GameWorks closes shop Video games are no longer available and LGBT country dancing has once again left Ybor City. The once popular video game Mecca GameWorks closed its doors abruptly on Monday, March 29 and Spurs Country Bar had one last party on March 27. According to Valerie White, director of sales, the reasons behind why the Centro Ybor anchor was chosen are unclear. “We don’t have any definitive answers,” she told us. “The company just decided to close a few branches and we were one of them.”

Fans of Spurs turned out to say goodbye to their favorite night spot on March 27 with a karaoke party. Owners announced that the bar was sold, but details as to who purchased the property and what the future holds for it remain unclear. Spurs is the second LGBT country bar to die in Ybor City. Wranglers closed back in 2007.

Oh, those Sisters The Tampa Bay chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is at it again—and this time they’re at Sawmill. The not-solovely white-faced nuns will celebrate their fifth anniversary of giving back to the

LGBT community with an annual Wig Drive April 9-12 at the Dade City campground.

According to President Sister Muffdiver, the drive is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The event also marks the one-year anniversary that the Tampa Bay Order received its Full Status in the International Order and its 501c3 status. We suggest if you see one of the nuns, offer a congrats and a thank you! Who knows, you may walk away with a brand new condom!

James’ resignation has people talking Founder and president of Securing Our Children’s Rights, Cathy James, sent out an e-mail in late March that has people buzzing. The Florida Together Federation board member resigned her position because she didn’t want her “personal opinion to distract from the wonderful work” of the organization. She continues on to share her disillusionment with Equality Florida, saying it works in a vacuum. “EQFL should be building coalitions within the LGBT community and with allies outside the LGBT community.” James adds that other groups feel unauthorized in obtaining LGBT equality because of Equality Florida’s overbearing influence.

Got juicy gossip or amazing event photos? E-mail the dish or your photos (with full names of everyone pictured and event details) to Overheard@WatermarkOnline.com

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April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

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watermark | orlando out+about

overheard Birthday Ba’aser

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Featuring Music from The Painted Ladies, Shut Up And Dance and Lee Anna James

It’s not easy getting people out on a Monday night, but that wasn’t the case for a celebrity roast honoring local actor/ comedian Doug Ba’aser’s 50th birthday.

The Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House was nearly full on March 29. Only the front three rows were unoccupied, and that was because no one in the audience dared venture into the site line of panelists Jeff Jones, Carol Lee, Kevin Bee, Michael Wanzie, Tommy Wooten, Janine Klien and Drew Sizemore.

The event began with an opening number by David Dorman and Miss Sammy, who became the first victims of the panel as soon as they left the Asian-themed stage, created by Doug White to poke fun at Ba’aser’s well-known weakness for hairless Far Eastern men.

As with most roasts, the panel got as good as they gave. No topic—genitals, sex, drugs, prison—was off limits.

Apparently most of the panel has small penises, but Klein’s vagina is “so big that when she gave birth her son stood up and walked out.”

By the time Wooten took the podium, and the sixth or seventh round of drinks had been served onstage, the evening

had turned into a tightrope walk between brilliantly arch comedy and winceinducing self-indulgence. Dressed as “Ruby” from Wanzie’s Ladies of Eola Heights series of plays, Wooten was side-splittingly funny—and at times unintelligible. At one point Ba’aser exited to pee into a cup behind the stage curtains, and when he returned one of the panelists went backstage, grabbed the cup-o-urine and poured it back into his pitcher-sized drink. From that point on, many in the audience watched through their fingers.

But Jones brought it home, rifling through the audience, the panel and the honoree with equal abandon. Describing Ba’aser’s manhood, Jones said, “It’s old, it’s gray, and no one pays any attention to it any more—kinda like Patty Sheehan.”

Several panelists described Ba’aser as “the funniest man in Orlando,” and at the end of the long night he proved why. His roast also showcased why his friends—an immensely talented and vivid cast of characters—are such an invaluable part of Orlando’s LGBT cultural community.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Paul Wegman Scholarship Fund at Valencia Community College.

Got juicy gossip or amazing event photos? E-mail the dish or your photos (with full names of everyone pictured and event details) to Overheard@WatermarkOnline.com

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watermark | orlando out+about

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April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

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1- (L to R) Robert Hargrove, Scott Pruitt, Dr. David BakerHargrove and Mikael Audebert make the tough decision about which bonnet gets their bid at the Babes and Bonnets fundraiser at Parliament House.

2- The Center board member Jake Green (left) and Vice President Dwight Myers sipped some wine at Tastings for the March 25 “Meet the Center Board of Directors� event.

3 – Miss Sammy shows off her poker face during her hosting duties at Hamburger Mary’s bingo.

4– Kevin Bee got some help from a friend while roasting Doug Ba’aser at his 50th birthday roast at Parliament House on March 29.

5- Teammates headed off the field and into Sip for the Central Florida Softball League’s fundraiser.

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April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

T

he gay community is under attack, and it’s not just from right-wing religious zealots. Crystal Meth has long circulated in a subculture of our community, especially where gay men congregate.

The drug commonly referred to as “Tina” has become so readily available that gay men from all ethnicities and economic backgrounds are lured by its sexual power and tempting highs. But the addiction ruins lives and continues to spread through night clubs, bath houses and at social gatherings.

Jeff May of Sarasota, didn’t even know he was trying Crystal Meth until someone told him what it was.

“The first time I did it I was 17,” the 28-year-old recalls. “When I did crystal I was out in Ybor and someone told me to take something and I did. It was crystal and I didn’t feel anything from it. But I was excited to try something new.”

May isn’t alone. Forty five year-old Orlando resident Shane, who asked that his real name not be used, also fell under the spell of the drug. But he didn’t encounter it until he was 38 when he and his partner at the time invited other men into their sex life.

“We were at a bar and a friend of ours said, ‘You’ve got to try a ball,’” Shane says.

“It started out as a booty bump. I don’t recall it having any effect on me. I had always been a top, but in this situation when I got the crystal, it turned me into a bottom.

It will make the most dominant top flip in a second.”

A booty bump, Shane explains, is when crystal meth is dissolved in water and injected into the rectum. As with May, Shane didn’t think he was hooked. But soon he found himself single, homeless and contemplating suicide.

Jim Nixon, who works at Metro Wellness

and Community in St. Petersburg, and is also a sales associate at Watermark, has also been influenced by the lure of crystal meth. Months after his partner passed away, Nixon and his new boyfriend were in a Fort Lauderdale bath house looking for sex. He was offered crystal meth and he snorted it.

“It burned but it gave me a euphoric sense,” Nixon says. “I was more sexually aggressive and it relaxed inhibitions, which is part of the downfall.”

Soon, at 35, the formally anti-drug spokesperson was getting high and exploring new experiences in his sexual life.

“It was sort of a perpetuated cycle of having an open sexual relationship,” Nixon says. “Everywhere we went we were surrounded by people using. All of these beautiful men were dancing, sweating on each other—it makes you want to become a part of that.”

Jeff, Shane and Jim did become a part of that culture—and all three lost nearly everything they had.

A downward spiral “You don’t realize it, but the first hit will take you down a never-ending spiral that will result in death,” says May, who very nearly lost his life in his battle with crystal meth. “My life was completely out of

Crystal Meth’s gay grasp steve blanchard

control. I couldn’t go a day without drugs or without drinking.”

May had moved to St. Petersburg and was living with a boyfriend, who happened to be a crystal meth dealer. May said he could get the drug any time he wanted it at little or no cost. He used every day for nearly a year. Soon he was up for days at a time, sometimes longer than a week, and began engaging in high-risk sex.

For Shane, his crystal meth addiction made him lose everything, including his six-figure salary job. He says his meth use escalated so much that he was slamming the drug, meaning he injected the drug directly into his veins.

“That’s the most addictive way to take it,” Shane says. “I was a high-ranking official in an advertising agency and was making money hand over fist. Between me and my partner, we spent $40,000 a year on the crap.”

Shane’s meth use and sex life revolved around each other. He and his former partner would host parties, ingest the drug and engage in group sex.

“We had a friend who got crystal meth from California and Mexico,” Shane says.

“He would get a delivery every Thursday through FedEx and on Fridays we’d go buy Continued on page 48 | uu |

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| April 1 - April 14, 2010

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watermark | health+medicine

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

a minute with...

Dr. Roberto Ortiz

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erik caban

HIV SPECIALIST

O

rlando | Men may hear a surprising question when they call to set up an annual physical. More and

more doctors and nurses are encouraging men to get a pap smear.

Once viewed as only a test for women, tests for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are becoming more commonplace as doctors become more aware of the disease’s ability to attack both men and women.

We sat down with Dr. Roberto Ortiz, HIV Specialist at the Orlando Immunology Center, to get an inside look at the effects of HPV and its link to rectal cancer in men.

What exactly is HPV? There are more than 40 types of the Human Papillomavirus that can infect the genital areas of males and females. It’s similar to the STD, herpes. Some types cause warts and other diseases. But because it’s a progressive disease, others may have no symptoms.

How is HPV transmitted?

It’s generally a sexually transmitted disease.

The most common strand has an affinity for the anal transitional zone in men and the cervix in women.

the thinnest layer of skin is located.

Why are “bottoms” more at risk?

Anyone can get an initial infection. Women and “bottoms” are more likely to get the strand that can lead to cancer because their intraepithelial tissue, the thin layer of skin found inside the anal canal, is coming in direct contact.

However, anal cancer is more prevalent in those aged 60 and older.

Are there treatments/cures for anal cancer?

You can’t prevent cancer, but if you have a pap test that is positive, follow up with a High Resolution Anascopy wherein the doctor puts a scope into the anal cavity to determine if there is displasia. If there is, the doctor will do a biopsy.

Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, just like any other cancer.

Can safe sex help prevent it?

Everybody as an adult will be exposed to it. But antibodies in our bodies help us fight it. Prevention of symptomatic strains includes avoiding direct contact with lesions or warts. There is still a chance that you can contract HPV even if you use protection.

There is a vaccine for men and women that should be administered before —DR. ROBERTO ORTIZ becoming sexually active.

“HPV and anal cancer are more prevalent in HIV-positive gay men because their immune system isn’t equipped to fight it.”

What does HPV do to cause anal cancer?

A mix of different strains of HPV can cause rectal or cervical cancer. HPV induces cervical displasia, an abnormal, organized growth in rectum or cervix. It’s similar to cancer caused by sun exposure.

The difference is that while skin cancer is visible, your rectum or cervix may show no symptoms. Only if you’re in advanced stages, it will cause bleeding.

Photo courtesy Dr. Roberto Ortiz

Are gay men more at risk for anal cancer than straight men because of sexual activity?

HPV and anal cancer are more prevalent in HIV-positive gay men because their immune system isn’t equipped to fight it. But straight men are at risk as well. If a female sexual partner has cervical cancer, the HPV may reach the male’s rectum, where

What are some symptoms that someone may have HPV? You may see warts around genitals and in advanced cases, rectal bleeding.

What procedure is involved in order to check men for it?

To screen men, we insert a 1 inch swab into the rectum. However, if cancer is found in men, it can be more difficult to treat. Cervical cancer in women can be cut out, since it’s possible to remove the uterus.

How can men help prevent HPV/anal cancer?

Anyone who is sexually active should be checked regularly, at least every 1–3 years.

Anyone with warts should be checked for cervix displasia. Ideally, the best prevention is to be vaccinated before becoming sexually active, generally between the ages of 9 and 20. We hope to make it a requirement to have all kids receive the vaccine to prevent the strain of HPV that produces displasia. Right now, the vaccine is not covered by insurance for most adults and can be expensive. It has to be done by a pediatrician to be covered. If you already have HPV, treat it. The virus will never go away but can be treated. Avoid the drama. Get tested. | l |

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| April 1 - April 14, 2010

for the men:

“A

t the moment, I have a great doctor,” says Orlando catalog director Kevin Bee. “We can talk about anything. And we do.”

Bee has avoided a situation that plagues many gay men: how much of our personal lives and sexual history should we share with our doctors? It’s true that specific health concerns occur more frequently in the gay community. These possible problems really should be discussed with medical professionals.

However, coming out to the family doctor is fraught with complications. In urban areas, it’s easier to find gay-friendly medical professionals—people can check local gay publications like Watermark, or go online a search for one. In rural areas—especially areas where your family is also present—the fear can keep some gay men in the medical closet, despite laws that prevent medical staff from divulging patient information.

In fact, Bee opened up to his doctor for purely personal reasons: “I just wanted to be able to answer a potential partner with the correct information.”

It has apparently worked, because Bee and his other half have been together 21 years.

Long-term monogamous couples do face less exposure to health problems than single gay men whose are sexually active.

Here are some of the most important areas all gay men should openly discuss with their general practitioners: HIV: In June 2008, the Centers for Disease Control reported that HIV infection among young American gay men had risen 12% a year. Perhaps some of this is caused by newly-limited sex education in public schools. Another possible cause is that younger gay men see older HIVpositive friends living longer due to new combinations of medication. “They ignore the fact that these HIV-positive people still die much earlier than normal, and they are plagued with complicated medical issues for the rest of their lives,” commented retired nurse Vi Rearden, who works with several Central Florida charities.

Hepatitis: Hepatitis A and B can cause liver damage and make a person ill for several weeks or months, but other long-term problems are manageable. Both A and B can be prevented by a vaccine, but inoculation should be thoroughly discussed with a medical professional. Hepatitis C can go undiagnosed for years, and people stay infected for life, often suffering serious liver damage as they unwittingly infect others.

There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. A and B can be passed in contaminated food or drink; all three types can be passed through sexual intercourse or sharing needles, and all three are diagnosed with blood tests.

watermark | health+medicine

coming out of the medical closet TAlkInG SpeCIfICS ARe key In DISCuSSIonS wITH DoCToRS

stephen miller and rhetta peoples STDs: Besides HIV and hepatitis, sexually active gay men have a higher occurrence of syphilis, gonorrhea, and anal warts.

Depression: Depression has always been high among gay men, often especially when they are shut off from their family and friends. A medical doctor can provide insight and information, as well as referrals to qualified counselors.

Substance abuse: Like depression, substance abuse can be heightened when gay men feel ostracized. However, it usually takes a dramatic event to make someone realize he needs help. If you have a family history, this should be shared with your doctor.

Smoking-related problems: Gay men are 41% more likely to smoke as their straight counterparts, according to Gay.com.

This increases the risk of cancer, specifically lung, liver, colon, prostate, and skin cancer.

One of the best things a doctor can help a patient do is quit.

Cancer: STDs—like hepatitis and anal warts—increase a gay man’s chances of cancer. So does smoking. There are no thorough statistics, but conventional wisdom would state that since some causes are greater, the probability of cancer is also higher. Regular testing can catch problems early.

However, getting medical attention has even gotten more difficult: “It’s tougher now that so many people have lost their jobs,” says Rearden. “Every time an uninsured gay man has to go to a walk-in clinic, he has to come out of the closet all over again.”

Can this lead to discrimination—even subtly—by the medical personnel treating him?

“That’s possible,” shrugs Rearden, “Likely, we’ll never know.”

“But I say, be brave! Open up, and just tell them.” states Rearden. “Your health needs to outlast the current economy.” | l |

for the women:

H

ealthcare reform can carry a very different definition when it comes to the education of women’s health and specifically women’s health within the lesbian community.

Traditionally, lesbians are underserved when it comes to proper public health education and gaining access to that education. A national survey provided by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit private organization providing non-partisan facts and information about healthcare, stated sexual orientation is among the three most likely topics to be excluded from a sexual education course.

It is widely assumed that when sexual orientation is omitted from education, adequate information on lesbian health care can very easily go down the same path.

“Lesbian women’s health is a concern for many women worldwide, but the information available for them on the subject is not as widely spread,” says Dr. Celso Silva, Director of the Center for Fertility Preservation at the University of South Florida in Tampa. “Prevention campaigns, publications and other methods for health care education are not as common as they are for straight women.

Their specific health concerns deserve a separate and individualized effort.”

Reproductive Health: When it comes to reproductive health education, lesbians may have unique health disparities, which can lead to health problems that vary greatly from straight women.

“Because a lot of lesbian women don’t conceive, then they are at higher risk for breast cancer and uterine cancer, because pregnancy is one of the factors that will reduce the risk of cancers because the body is not getting that constant estrogen and stimulation through pregnancy,”

says Dr. Billie Jean Pace, M.D. at the Altamonte Women’s Center in Altamonte Springs.

That is one reason why the importance of regular physical exams is universal for all women. Although there are medical options that can help offset these diseases, embarrassment or fear is sometimes a factor in not getting satisfactory care.

“Sometimes the sexual preference creates a level of insecurity because of how society perceives certain sexual orientations—and that makes women more hesitant to seek out regular physical exams,” Pace says. “So, in that way, they can have conditions that go on longer and can have a delay in treatment so conditions can be more severe when they are recognized.”

STDs: Generally, lesbians are at risk for the same sexually transmitted diseases as straight women. However, skimping on education to the lesbian community can be one major factor why STDs are transmitted. Dr. Silva said, “Lesbians can transmit STDs to each other through skin to skin contact, vaginal fluids, menstrual blood and sharing of sex toys,” Silva says. “HPV, herpes and chlamydia are also prevalent in lesbian women. Therefore, it is important that they not only get tested for STDs but also that they practice safe sex.”

According to Pace, many lesbians think their sexual experiences aren’t actually “intercourse” and therefore do not have to be concerned about STDs. “That is a fallacy,” Pace says, “because STDs can be transmitted between female partners as well. Some women are bisexual so that plays a role too in the transmission.”

Gynecological concerns: Silva contends that while sexual orientation does not directly increase the risk for some health conditions like depression, heart disease, breast cancers, gynecological cancers, polycystic ovarian disease and domestic violence, it’s important to remember that all women are at risk of these things.

Many physicians agree that good general health practices for lesbians are in synch with that of heterosexual women.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Lung cancer, colon cancer, diabetes and hypertension are all diseases that continue to plague women. These diseases refuse to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, making it important for all women to gather information from their healthcare providers concerning the basic issues of sexual, reproductive and general health.

Ultimately, the lesbian community is in need of healthcare policies and culturally appropriate information about sexual and reproductive health. | l |

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

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“The powerful advantage to using minocycline is that the virus appears less able to develop drug resistance because minocycline targets cellular pathways not

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viral proteins,” says Janice Clements, Ph.D., Mary Wallace Stanton Professor of Faculty Affairs, vice dean for faculty, and professor of molecular and comparative pathobiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

“The big challenge clinicians deal with now in this country when treating HIV patients is keeping the virus locked in a dormant state,” Clements said. “While HAART is really effective in keeping down active replication, minocycline is another arm of defense against the virus.”

The release goes on to say that unlike the drugs used in HAART, which target the virus, minocycline homes in on, and adjusts T cells, major immune system agents and targets of HIV infection. According to Clements, minocycline reduces the ability of T cells to activate and proliferate, both steps crucial to HIV production and

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watermark | health+medicine progression toward full blown AIDS. The idea for using minocycline as an adjunct to HAART resulted when the Hopkins team learned of research by others on rheumatoid arthritis patients showing the anti-inflammatory effects of minocycline on T cells. The Hopkins group connected the dots between that study with previous research of their own showing that minocycline treatment had multiple beneficial effects in monkeys infected with SIV, the primate version of HIV. In monkeys treated with minocycline, the virus load in the cerebrospinal fluid, the viral RNA in the brain and the severity of central nervous system disease were significantly decreased. The drug was also shown to affect T cell activation and proliferation.

The success with the animal model prompted the team to study in test tubes whether minocycline treatment affected latency in human T cells infected with HIV. Using cells from HIV-infected humans on HAART, the team isolated the “resting� immune cells and treated half of them with minocycline. Then they counted how many virus particles were reactivated, finding completely undetectable levels in the treated cells versus detectable levels in the untreated cells. “Minocycline reduces the capability of the virus to emerge from resting infected T cells,� says Gregory Szeto, a graduate student in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine working in the

Retrovirus Laboratory at Hopkins. “It prevents the virus from escaping in the one in a million cells in which it lays dormant in a person on HAART, and since it prevents virus activation it should maintain the level of viral latency or even lower it. That’s the goal: Sustaining a latent non-infectious state.�

Studies have not shown that the antibiotic completely obliterates T cells or diminishes their ability to respond to other infectious diseases, which is crucial for those with HIV. “HIV requires T cell activation for efficient replication and reactivation of latent virus,� Clement says, “so our new understanding about minocyline’s effects on a T cell could help us to find even more drugs that target its signaling pathways.�

The drug could become an important co-medication for HIV-positive persons on antiretroviral therapy, the report continues.

Currently, the use of powerful — and expensive — antiretroviral medications are able to slow or stop the replication of HIV in the human body. But it has long been known that while the drugs suppress the virus, they do not stop it. And if a person on the medications stops, the virus soon rebounds. That new viral population is often immune to the previous drug therapy combination.

Researchers say the discovery could be a promising step toward more effective treatment. | l |

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watermark | health+medicine

| uu | Crystal Meth from p.41

a $375 8-ball. If we didn’t want to run out, sometimes we’d buy more.

“One time he came to our house with a tackle box full of the stuff. I freaked out. I didn’t want him in the house. But it wasn’t enough to scare me off of the drug.”

Shane and his partner began using the drug independently of each other, which led to their split and increased Shane's addiction.

“Eventually I got to the point where I was shooting up a gram of meth a day,” Shane recalls. “I would only come out of my room to drink water or grab a bite of food after my ex left to see his boyfriend or to go to work. I had lost my job and really had no reason to live. I was miserable.”

Nixon ingested less meth than Shane.

However, his constant use of the drug eventually caused him to leave his well-paying South Florida job.

“It progressed slowly and I used maybe once every one or two months,” Nixon says.

“Soon it was one weekend a month, then every weekend. My relationship started to crumble and I found I was using so I could deal with the troubles at home.”

Nixon soon left his job because he suspected that his bosses knew about his drug use—paranoia is a symptom of meth use. He also says that his job interfered with his party lifestyle.

“I just didn’t care about work,” Nixon says. “Partying was more important to me than anything else. I completely lost focus of everything and life evolved around crystal meth.”

Rock bottom On Memorial Day weekend, Shane almost died—and he wanted death to come. Despite having been accepted into a Tampa-based drug rehabilitation program for veterans, Shane continued to inject nearly a quarter of a gram of crystal meth directly into his blood stream every few hours.

“I was in my room, alone, and was sobbing,” Shane recalls. “I knew that a week later I was going into rehab and I saw that I had a gram left of crystal meth.”

Shane put the drug in a syringe and says he was ready to end it all.

“I looked up at a crucifix in my room and said, ‘If you’re not going to kill me, I’m going to pray to someone who will. Satan, you motherfucker, come and get me.’”

With that, Shane injected the full gram and soon began shaking uncontrollably. He recalls needing the restroom, but he was unable to walk.

“I was crying and crawling to the master bathroom shower,” Shane says emotionally. “I sat there, urinated and crawled back to the bed.

Before I passed out I looked up at the crucifix again and said, “My God, don’t let this happen to me.’”

Shane awoke 18 hours later, half on his bed and half on the floor and still alone.

Nixon never got to the point of suicide, but his addiction did land him in jail.

Methamphetamine comes in varieties, but most forms—including crystal meth—use household chemical agents that are combined into a lethal cocktail.

“The last month I used was pure hell,” While living in Fort Lauderdale, Nixon was Shane remembers. “It could be the amount arrested for possession, which is a class-three I was using or maybe the quality. But felony. He says he and his partner were pulled everything had fallen apart. My relationship over with crystal meth in the vehicle. He of nine years was over, I was alone and I was contends the drugs were his partner’s, but he even afraid of the dark. I would literally make took the fall because he wasn’t working and sure my closet door was open so I knew no the couple needed to hang onto some income. one was in there. I had to get help.”

“I bonded out and during that period of The first time Shane walked into the VA random drug testing and going through the recovery center, he could still feel the crystal courts, my partner was still partying,” Nixon meth coursing through his body. He says he says. “We split and during the pretrial I was didn’t know if they would let him enter. still using occasionally. If I had tested positive “While sitting in the lobby, I remember then I would have been in jail permanently.

But I was so addicted I didn’t care. The drug is seeing Lisa, a marine,” he says. “We started rehab the same day. She looked over at me and that powerful that you’d risk going go jail!” asked if I was okay. It was the first time I felt May even risked his relationship with his love from anybody for months and months. To family after becoming violently addicted to this day we are best crystal meth. friends.”

“At one point I Shane now has a pulled a knife on “The first hit will take well-paying job in several of my family Orlando and has a members,” he says. you down a nevernew relationship of “After staying up ending spiral that will a year. His recovery three or four days, has been successful, I’d see stuff that result in death.” but he remembers wasn’t there. It was —Jeff May the journey. He horrible.” volunteers and donates May says he to programs that help constantly felt alone addicts reclaim their lives. and misunderstood, which would make him For May, his journey back to control began crave another hit of the drug. He soon learned his sexual behavior fixated by crystal meth led when he broke up with his boyfriend and returned to Sarasota. to a positive HIV diagnosis.

“I lived in denial for a long time and kept “My boyfriend at the time was positive and using heavier and heavier,” May says. “Three he never told me,” May says. “I tried to kill years ago I put myself in rehab and built a myself a few weeks after we broke up. I was support group around that. Today I surround on a suicide mission.” myself with those who don’t use and the only time I go out to a club is if there’s a specific Finding recovery event like a concert or a show.”

There comes a moment when an addict May even returned to school and earned a knows he can’t sink any lower. But finding the degree in fashion design. His life is back on courage and determination to regain control track, he says, and his relationship with his can be difficult.

family is improving.

“To say it’s like it was before would be a lie,” he says of his relationship with his family.

“Whenever anybody goes through that there’s a lot of respect lost. I’m working at getting that back. They are beyond supportive. They know what its like if I go back there.”

Not everyone uses official programs to come clean. Nixon says no programs fit him personally, so he gave up crystal meth on his own.

“I didn’t have a plan, but I knew I had to leave Fort Lauderdale,” he says. “I was surrounded by it and I couldn’t escape. So I moved to St. Petersburg.”

While he admits he had several lapses, Nixon eventually gave up his addiction and met a new boyfriend. Through the support of that relationship, he was able to stay off crystal meth, despite several temptations.

“I didn’t know if I could do it on my own,” Nixon says. “I didn’t want to go to Narcotics Anonymous because it’s religious based, and I’m agnostic. I knew I couldn’t afford rehab and I didn’t want to use my insurance at my new job because I didn’t want my boss to know.”

But that doesn’t mean he is opposed to others using available programs.

“You need to reach out for help,” he says.

“I remember researching how to get off meth long before I actually quit. You have to identify triggers and remove those triggers from your life.”

Nixon has been off crystal meth for nearly four years. | l |

START HERE. Go to WatermarkOnline.com for a list of resources to help overcome crystal meth addiction.

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Equality Florida State Field Director Joe Saunders, second from left, celebrates his birthday on April 12.

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local birthdays

Orlando Phish Fest founders and Bedazzled Productions promoters Sue-Bee Laginess and Roxy Santiago celebrate their third wedding anniversary on April 6.

Sister of Perpetual Indulgence and husband to Alexis de la Mer Rodger Prewitt and former St. Petersburg resident and Equality Florida supporter Elizabeth Albelo (April 1); Concept Bait’s Frank Clemente and Palm Beach County Human Rights Council founder and president Rand Hoch (April 2); sexy Tampa banker and TIGLFF donor Jeff Baker, St. Pete nurse, Watermark columnist and former editor of The Gazette, Brian Feist, and Tampa Bay activist Mac McGowan (April 5); former Orlando and San Francisco-based graphic designer Jason Donnelly, realtor and Tampa International Film Festival board member Ken Demmons, and Rollins College costume studio manager Seth Schrager (April 7); St. Petersburg clown and HIV/AIDS activist Joe Dobson (April 8); Tampa-based singer and Halcyon co-founder Stephanie Callahan (April 9); Orlando bobbalicious lovebird Bobby McCall, Fort Lauderdale-based muscular, sexy singer Sean Ensign, and St. Petersburg resident and Canaan Band roadie Mike Hollis (April 10); photographer Heath Starling (April 11); Tampa-based non-profit angel Mac Williams, and Orlando-based performer and Equality Florida State Field Director Joe Saunders (April 12): Florida Hospital Altamonte social worker Stacy Pease and Tampa performer Esme Russell (April 13).

Announcer Chuckles of the Parliament House marks his 32nd year working at the resort on April 10.

Justin Homer and Angel Arcelay of Orlando celebrate their eighth anniversary together on April 14.

Savoy/Paradise co-owners George Butler and Randall Lambright celebrate their 17th anniversary this month.

Dancer-choreographer-DJ Blue’s production company, babyBlueStar Productions, turns four years old this month.

Ron and Jeff Ellstrom-Oliver of Orlando celebrated their fourth anniversary on March 24.

passings Francis E. Whitcomb III, 55, of Ormond Beach, died March 13 at his home.

Whitcomb was a former resident of Orlando who is survived by two sisters and his life partner, Earl Braswell.

Send news about birthdays, passings, anniversaries, promotions, commitment ceremonies—and whatever you commemorate—to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com.

dothis!

watermark | advice

Errant libidos and pricy meals ADVICE FROM

The Truth

Truth@WatermarkOnline.com

already done everything I’d recommend.

You have spoken to Peter about his behavior and you’ve even given him some pointed observations. You’ve let him know it makes you uncomfortable. And yet he still continues to behave like the gay male equivalent of a cougar. (A puma? Meerkat? Ocelot?) As you know, there are many young men—even as young as Tomas—who desire relations with men even Peter’s age, but (1) clearly Tomas is not one of them; and (2) there is the pesky matter of the fact Peter has a husband. You. I’d approach this with him again but in a way that doesn’t bruise his ego so much, and could potentially be productive. Telling him that you feel jealous by his attention to Tomas (whether or not that may be true) might get him to tone it down for different reasons. He is apparently impervious to embarrassment, so telling him he looks foolish is not working. But maybe he cares enough about you not to hurt your feeling times in and out. Again, actual hurt feelings aren’t necessary. You know very well Tomas will not magically fall for Peter. If all else fails, I’d simply stop going to the clothing store with Peter, and when you do go by yourself and see Tomas, you might want to tactfully apologize for Peter’s overzealousness. At least that way, you’re not catching shrapnel from your lover’s errant libido.

Dear Truth, My boyfriend and I were recently invited to dinner by an older, affluent Dear Truth, gay couple to celebrate their purchase of My husband, “Peter”—65 and a new home. We normally don’t go out retired—has a crush on a 25-year-old man to eat much because of tight finances, who lives in our small community and but we felt this was a special occasion. who manages a clothing store I frequent.

On their suggestion, we went to a really Peter is usually quiet and reserved, but nice restaurant in the touristy part of when he sees “Tomas,” he utters loud cries town. Our table wasn’t ready when we and runs to his side. Peter examines every arrived, so we had martinis (again, their detail of Tomas’ appearance, grabs his suggestion) while we were waiting. At the arm or shoulders and compliments him table, they asked us if we would “share a endlessly on his physique and his attire. bottle of wine,” and we said, “Of course.”

From the expression on Tomas’ face Dinner was amazing, and we added two and the looks he exchanges with the more bottles of wine, coffees and dessert other employees at their urging. But in the store, it’s when the check clear he considers arrived, our hosts Peter a pest. I have calmly looked at When he sees spoken up and said, it and said that ‘Tomas,’ he utters “Tomas must have we were splitting a grandfather your it. Now, I’m not loud cries and runs age,” or, “There’s cheap, but I think to his side. no fool like an old if someone invites fool,” but Peter you to dinner ignores it. My at an expensive concern is that he’s making a fool of restaurant and orders a ton of food and himself in public and, by extension, me. alcohol, they should foot the bill. Am I I’m so embarrassed; I can no longer walk right? into my favorite store. Tomas is popular.

—Duped at Dinner He has many dates and is not interested in Peter. I hate to be pitied by others. What Dear D.A.D., can I do to stop this?

Let me see if I get this right: You accepted —Old Fool in Ocala an invitation to a restaurant you knew to be pricey. You ordered martinis before the meal, Dear Friend of Old Fool, and I assume, drank and enjoyed them. You Here comes the Truth, baby: You’ve agreed (and partook) when it was suggested

to crack a bottle. More wine, coffees, and desserts, shared equally around the table.

And this is to celebrate your friends moving into a new house. Do I think they should have paid? Here comes the Truth, baby: Hell, no!

At any point along that continuum you could have suggested a different restaurant, begged off the wine, the pre-meal cocktails or the desserts. Myriad excuses could have been given, or a simple “we’re on a tight budget” may have sufficed most effectively.

Then, when there is a clear and present discrepancy in the amount one couple consumed over another, it is perfectly reasonable to divide up the bill based on consumption. If you don’t eat the dessert

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

51

or drink the cocktails, you shouldn’t have to pay for a percentage of those who did.

However, you willingly partook in every course and in that case, dividing the bill evenly is the socially approved solution. As for their obligation to buy you dinner, only if they expected you to put out after the meal should you expect them to pick up the tab.

Again the meal was in celebration of a milestone in their lives. If anything, I would have expected you to make the move for the full check, although hopefully they would have had the social graces to not accept and split the bill evenly, exactly as you did. And next time remember, there is no shame in saying ‘No thanks’ if you can’t afford it. | l |

52

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

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watermark | sports

Germany’s out vice chancellor will preside over Gay Games staff report Cologne, Germany | Out German foreign minister and vice chancellor, Guido Westerwelle, will preside over the 2010 Gay Games opening ceremony in Cologne on July 31.

Westerwelle is the first openly gay person to hold either office and has agreed to become an “official patron” of Gay Games VIII, according to a press release.

“Guido Westerwelle has been the

Chairman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) since 2001, and previously was the party’s General Secretary,” said the release. “[In] October 2009 German Chancellor Angela Merkel named him the country’s foreign minister and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, the first openly gay person to hold either office.

More than 12,000 out athletes from 70 countries are expected to compete in the Gay Games in Cologne from July 31 through August 7. | l |

Tampa residents eye LifeCycle 9 staff report Tampa | Two Tampa residents are looking for donations while they support the AIDS LifeCycle 9, a June benefit in California.

On May 2, Dean Hurst and Dawn Heideman will represent the Tampa Bay area at the annual 545-mile bike ride to raise money for AIDS research. To help fund their trip, Hurst and Heideman will present “Art Pedalers,” a collaborative fundraiser to raise local awareness of the event. Money will also be donated to

Francis House, Tampa’s local AIDS nonprofit.

Several local artists and bands will be on hand throughout the Sunday event.

Have Gun Will Travel and indie favorite GreyMarket will perform at the Ritz Ybor from 6 p.m. to midnight. Other bands will also appear.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com for $15 and The Ritz Ybor box office.

This marks the third year that Heideman and Hurst have participated in the ride.

For more information, visit AIDSLifeCycle.org. | l |

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Sure that may seem silly but what is your criteria for selecting an agent to represent you with the most expensive asset you will probably ever own? Although my swimsuit days are over, my real estate career is still in full force. If you are thinking of buying selling or investing in real estate, think of me first. Stan Madray–Keller Williams Realty (407)928-7791 / www.StanMadray.com My commitment to you!

•Communicate Effectively - Answer

Metro Charities is Seeking Bilingual Medical EducatorTampa office-person will educate individuals living with HIV/AIDS on the importance of medical and medication adherence. For all the details and requirements please visit our website at www.metrocharities.org Swimwear Store Manager SKINZ ® has a opening for a manager trainee.

In-store sales, internet sales, merchandising, data entry and shipping.

Contact Tanya at (727)441-8789

Charming 3 bedroom Bungalow in desirable Dubsdread Golf Community -

2 Bedroom 2 bath condos starting in the low $100’s! We also have lease with the option to purchase programs available! Call 407-927-6786 today!

“Yin and Yang” sensuous four hand body rubs. By

employment offered

calls, respond to emails and keep you informed.

•Be Knowledge - Know the market place, follow the trends and track the numbers.

•Have Fun - It’s not just about the destination, It’s also about the journey.

•Keep Integrity - Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking.

•Seek the Win-Win - Negotiate effectively to meet our needs and our objectives.

Making real estate dreams come true? *BTW.. If you do require your prospective agent to compete in talent, I will be twirling a fire baton to “HalfBreed” by Cher.

BUILDER CLOSEOUT! NO CLOSING COSTS! LOW H.O.A. FEES! Newly renovated

real estate for sale

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407-481-2243 • Deadline for classifieds is April 9, at 5:00pm.

Visit WatermarkOnline.com for Brand New listings Every Day!

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Condo For Rent - 2/2 Condo downtown Orlando, Park Lake Towers, corner unit, balcony, great view, parking, fitness room/sauna, pool, ceramic tile, granite, marble. Must see! $1250/month. (407)947-6037

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

REALTOR® David Dorman, CENTURY 21, 321-293-2240, David@ DavidDorman.com

Not a distress sale, this home is been lovingly maintained and will sell FAST! Updated and move-in ready.

Sparkling Hardwood Floors, Large Rooms, Plenty of Closet Space, Huge Family Room with Wood Burning Fireplace. Roof replaced in 2005, windows have been updated, kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances and paved patio under a magnificent tree in the privacy fenced back yard.

Large corner lot in serene location.

If you are looking for a charming home that is priced right and can close immediately, you just found it! $225,000. Danny Veal, Realtor / Keller Williams Realty at the Parks / 407-496-2662 / www.DannyVeal.com

roommates Winter Park Room For Rent - Fully furnished w/cable. Private bathroom, French doors leading out to lanai. No drugs & No smoking. Behind Winter Park YMCA. $600/mo includes utilities. Contact (407)325-3410

sarasota personal services HEAD-TO-TOE BODYRUBS Session includes: Hot oil rubdown, Great hands, $50 In only: Call Ken 941-720-1731. Sarasota/ Bradenton.

tampa bay

Flamingo Social Club is seeking a volunteer to develop a social club for singles and couples, based at the Flamingo Resort.

Apply at info@FlamingoFLA.com

personal services MAN-TO-MAN - very friendly, masculine, good looking man with solid athletic body. Total relaxation & stress reduction. Call Danny 813-546-8220 Everyone Needs to Be Touched - 1 - 1 1/4 hours full body workout. Also body shaving. Discount rates for students & ethnic. By appt. only - Call Jim 727-698-9505

Muscles kneaded by rugged, hairy, Italian - Well-

built all over. Friendly, respectful & no attitude. All Man 4 Man. Straight/ Bi welcome. Bill (727)278-5774

professional services Dirt Terminators Cleaning Service - Free Estimates, Reasonable Rates, No Contracts. Call us and we’ll make your day. (727)269-1165

real estate for rent Essex Court Apartments - 5800 37th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 2/2 950 sq. ft. - $785/mo. Central AC. Well-kept building. Includes Basic Cable & Water. Immediate Occupancy. 1/1 Also Available; 640 sq. ft. $585/mo. (727)743-9170

business services Retail Shop Needed -

the Flamingo Resort has a space (~700sf) for a clothing and novelty retailer.

Contact us at info@FlamingoFLA.com

Watermark does not knowingly print advertisements for sexual services. Beyond printed content, Watermark does not inquire into the nature of personal or professional services advertising. Payment for sexual services is illegal in the State of Florida, and respondents to classified advertising should govern themselves accordingly. As required by law (Florida Statute 480.0465), Licensed Massage Therapists include their license number in all advertising.

watermark | gossip

| April 1 - April 14, 2010

billymasters

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“He’s kinda sexy. I’d hit that.”

—Gabourey Sidibe expresses her desire for a bit of Gerard Butler. Gotta give the girl credit, she said it right to his face.

L Academy Obervations Billy Masters Billy@BillyMasters.com

et’s get right to the point—that geschrei you heard at the Academy Awards was Barbra Streisand backstage listening to her introduction.

While Babs has often corrected people for mispronouncing her last name (she loves to say, “It’s Streisand—like sand on the beach”), I don’t believe she’s ever had anyone mispronounce her first name. And yet, there she was, hearing some bitch say, “Ladies and gentleman, please welcome two-time Academy Award winner, Barber Streisand”—like she’s going to come out and cut someone’s hair! I think at that point, Gina Tuttle (the aforementioned bitch) started updating her resume.

The backdrop rises, and Streisand is standing there wearing not one, not two, but three outfits. There’s a black dress perfect for a funeral in the old country, a shawl in case Nana Streisand gets chilly, and on top of that, a man’s tuxedo jacket. A friend of mine said, “I think she looked good for a 69-year-old woman.” I said, “She barely looked good for a 69-year-old man!”

The opening number with Neil Patrick Harris was kind of bizarre and pointless.

Rumor has it the song was written for Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin to sing, which at least would have made sense. What little Martin and Baldwin did I found entertaining

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and left me wishing they did more—and when was the last time anyone said that about the host of an awards show? It should be added that this year’s Oscars attracted the largest viewing audience in the past five years.

Is it just me or does Miley Cyrus look as comfortable in a dress as Wynonna Judd?

Sarah Jessica has taught us all that you really shouldn’t spray tan less than 48 hours before you’re going to be photographed. I enjoyed the tribute to John Hughes, but where was Emilio Estevez? Who would have thought a Helen Reddy song would be played at the Oscars? And when Alec Baldwin said, “And here’s the cast of the nominated film Precious,” did anyone else think it poor taste to give us a single shot of Gabourey Sidibe?

The gals of Precious all wore blue gowns in honor of Hattie McDaniel, who wore blue when she won her Oscar. Mo’Nique went one further by wearing a gardenia in her hair, as McDaniel did on that historic night 70 years ago.

Hours before filing this column, I was in a West Hollywood establishment that shall remain nameless and ran into Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek. I’d give you more details about where we were and what we were doing, but I believe celebs deserve a modicum of privacy—but only a modicum. He’s just as hot in person as he is in those shirtless pics we ran on BillyMasters.com, which should give you a clue as to where we were.

One thing Johnny Weir’s never been called is softspoken. And maybe he too has a WeHo connection.

Am I the only one who thinks he bears a striking resemblance to Bobby Trendy?

Maybe it’s both boys’ penchant for pink! While the Olympian has been cagey about his personal life, he’s toying with going on the record—on his own terms, of course. Weir is planning to write his autobiography: “I have so many stories. I’ve got so much dirt that I need to get out of me, and so many dealings behind the scenes in this sport, and how

Olympic figure skater Evan Lysacek was spotted shirtless in West Hollywood—we’re just sayin’.

cutthroat it really is.” Juicy!

Rumors abound that The Hurt Locker star Jeremy Renner is gay. These rumors stem from four specific things: a) prior to his acting career, he was a makeup artist, b) he loves show tunes, c) he owned property with a male friend, d) he brought his mother to the Oscars. Honey, if that’s all it took, Kevin Spacey would be gay! Maybe I should rethink that argument!

Renner doesn’t seem eager to deny the allegation. However, he did go out of his way to deny hitting on Jessica Simpson at a pre-Oscar party. “I’m not a ladies man. I’m a working man.” Did you hear him? He’s not a ladies man.

When it’s more insulting to be accused of hitting on Jessica Simpson than it is to be called gay, it’s time to end yet another column.

You can write me at Billy@ BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before Mo’Nique stars in a big screen adaptation of Beulah!

Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. | l | The Hurt Locker star Jeremy Renner, who is the center of several gay rumors, denies hitting on Jessica Simpson at a postOscar party by saying “I’m not a ladies man, I’m a working man.”

April 1 - April 14, 2010 |

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